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I’d tried to bring it up with Ty a couple of times, but each time he’d shoot me down. Luke though, seemed to be on the same wavelength as me, maybe talking to him about it would assure me I wasn’t just being jealous.

I didn’t know what to do because every time I would bring her name up, no one would listen. At least, that’s what it felt like.

When I finished my run, I stood in the middle of the compound and stretched out, watching the sky as it lit up from the rising sun. No matter where you stood on the compound, the view was always breath-taking. As a little girl, I had always imagined living in the middle of the woods, this wasn’t quite what I imagined but it was close.

Walking back to the house, I headed straight for my room and stripped off my clothes, turned the shower on and stepped inside, letting the cold water spray over me. I’d slept in Ty’s room last night but I always came back to my room to shower because my clothes were still in here. Ty had mentioned moving them into his room but I didn’t know how I felt about that. I wasn’t quite ready.

I may be ready at some stage but not just yet.

I braided my hair to the side and shoved my jeans, MAC security t-shirt and combat boots on. Then I grabbed my belt, vest and the bag I had packed last night.

After yesterday, I told myself that I would be prepared for any situation, I wouldn’t be caught out again. I’d packed my camera, a few snacks, and a notepad and pen. Always be prepared was my new motto, especially when it came to this job.

I woke Eli up, got him ready for preschool and was giving him breakfast by the time Ty came into the kitchen.

“Mornin’.” He walked past Eli, ruffling his hair, reminding me that he was due a haircut, and met me at the kitchen counter.

“Morning.” I smiled, taking a sip of my coffee.

“Where were you earlier this morning?” he asked, checking the coffee pot.

“Went for a run.” I shrugged.

“What? Why didn’t you wake me up?” He pulled a cup down from the cupboard, my eyes tracked the sliver of skin that showed as his t-shirt to lifted slightly.

I felt a blush rising up my cheeks. Looking away, I cleared my throat and said, “needed time to think, and it surprisingly helped.”

“Yeah?” He leaned against the counter opposite me, and smirked. “How long did you run for?”

“I don’t know.” I walked over to Eli and picked up his empty bowl, and checked his cup for juice.

“Really?” he asked, skeptical.

“I didn’t time myself.” I did but I wasn’t telling him how long I had run for.

He chuckled, probably already knowing that I only managed ten minutes before I felt like I was going to die. Full on, couldn’t breathe with my hands on knees, dying.

“Time to go, sweetie. Go and get your shoes,” I said, turning back to Eli.

“Okay, mama.” He jumped down but stopped at the door and looked back at us. “Is Uncle Luke taking me today?”

“Yeah, sweetie. Me and Luke today.”

He smiled wide, nodding, and pushed through the door just as Ty was picking up my bag.

“What’s this?” he asked with a raised brow.

“My camera.” I walked over to him and picked up my belt, clipping it around my waist.

“You don’t need all of this just to take Eli.”

“I need to be prepared, you don’t go off the compound without being suited up. Why should I be any different?” Picking up my vest, I put my arms through it. Sure, I may only have been taking Eli to preschool but if I was prepared for anything, then I wouldn’t be caught out.

“Kay-”

“Ty,” I mocked.

“You-” The ringing of his cell stopped what he was about to say. Huffing, he pulled it out and answered, “Yeah?”